Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Non-Disclosure: Risks and Judicial Scrutiny

Prenuptial agreements are increasingly used in family law to help couples clarify financial rights and expectations before marriage. However, the Helliwell v Entwistle case shows that even well-drafted agreements can be vulnerable if fundamental principles such as transparency and full disclosure are not properly followed.

• Legal Status of Prenuptial Agreements How UK courts treat prenuptial agreements under current family law principles; the role of Radmacher v Granatino as the leading authority on enforceability.
• Case Spotlight: Helliwell v Entwistle An analysis of the facts (e.g., a “drop-hands” prenup signed on the wedding day, significant non-disclosure of assets, and the Court of Appeal’s reasoning).
• Disclosure & Fairness Why full and frank financial disclosure matters; how deliberate non-disclosure can vitiate an agreement and lead to a court setting it aside.
• Practical Advice for Practitioners and Couples Best practices for drafting enforceable agreements, avoiding common pitfalls, and advising clients on realistic expectations in financial remedy proceedings.

• Financial remedy practitioners
• Mediators
• Family law professionals
• Advisers supporting clients entering into prenuptial agreements

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Host or Publisher Myerson Solicitors LLP